The American TikTok Takeover Deal

By: Dominic Hummel President Trump signed an executive order regarding the social media app TikTok. The deal will allow for a U.S company to oversee data information and algorithms on the TikTok app. In 2024 a law required that byteDance, TikTok’s parent company, sell off a piece of their company due to concerns with the data the parent company is accumulating from its users. In … Continue reading The American TikTok Takeover Deal

New drivers encounter House Bill 96

By Chi Steadman House Bill 96 is a new bill introducing new policies that primarily affect state taxes, school district policies, and cybersecurity requirements for the government. One policy introduced affects young drivers. New drivers under 21 need to have 24 hours in a classroom, 8 hours with an instructor, and 50 hours behind the wheel with a licensed driver over 21. “Driving is a … Continue reading New drivers encounter House Bill 96

Ohio bans phones in school

By: Dominic Hummel Starting January 1, 2026, Ohio students will come back from winter break to classrooms with some major changes. Cell phones will be banned during the instructional time of the day. A statewide mandate was signed into effect by Governor DeWine with the goal of reducing distractions and keeping students focused on their learning. According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce … Continue reading Ohio bans phones in school

House Bill 8 introduces new rules for schools

By: Nora Scarbro  House Bill 8 is a bill that was put into effect April 9. Known as the Parents Bill of Rights, it gives guardians more guaranteed access to their students’ privacy. The text of the law states, “The general assembly maintains that a parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.”  This legislation alerts … Continue reading House Bill 8 introduces new rules for schools

AI can affect someone’s creativity in everyday life

by Chi Steadman AI has an impact on people who do creative works. Bellbrook parent Josh Steadman uses AI to help manage various tasks. However, Steadman does not use AI for artistic purposes. “If you’re using AI as a tool to fill in spaces and to help you with grammar and stuff, that’s perfectly reasonable,” Steadman said. “If you’re using it to actually write a … Continue reading AI can affect someone’s creativity in everyday life

The Catholic Church welcomes a new pope

By: Caroline Polen The Catholic Church lost Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, who passed away at the age of 88. He made history in 2013 as the first non-European pope since Gregory III, according to an article from Holy Name of Jesus.  Known for his humility, emphasis on social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities, Pope Francis’s legacy left a significant mark on the … Continue reading The Catholic Church welcomes a new pope

Coachella, still about music and fashion, turns into a political outlet

By: Jordan Frantz Heat, diverse music, extravagant outfits, desert land, social media influence and a microphone with a stage are what bring people back to Coachella year after year. Located at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, nestled within the Coachella Valley, the Coachella Music Festival attracts celebrities, brand deal ambassadors, and music fans.  Coachella has been hosting viral music stars since its debut … Continue reading Coachella, still about music and fashion, turns into a political outlet

Libraries are facing budget challenges at every level

By: Caroline Polen According to The Ohio Capital Journal, the newest version of the Ohio House budget is taking a step back from getting rid of something called the Public Library Fund, which is important because that’s how a lot of libraries get their money. Did you know there are around 124,903 libraries in the United States? A lot of them could be in trouble … Continue reading Libraries are facing budget challenges at every level

What’s going on with the phone policy at Bellbrook?

By: Caroline Polen Did you know that about 97% of students, ages 11-17, use their phones during the school day?  The Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Local School District Board of Education had a meeting on Thursday, April 10 where they had a second read of Board Policy 5136 titled, “Personal Communication Devices” or PCDs.  Audra Dorn, Board vice-president, mentioned that they had discussed this policy quite a bit … Continue reading What’s going on with the phone policy at Bellbrook?

Over a million march: Unpacking the ‘Hands Off’ protests

By: Jordan Frantz A nationwide protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk took place on April 5. The protest was organized by a pro-democracy movement in response to a “hostile takeover” on American rights and freedoms.  Since Trump took office in January, there have been a variety of protests regarding his administration’s plans and policies against the mass firing of federal workers, immigration raids, … Continue reading Over a million march: Unpacking the ‘Hands Off’ protests